Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Free Flap Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways have been widely implemented across many surgical practices, including autologous breast reconstruction. However, the benefits of ERAS in the morbidly obese population have yet to be defined.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction at our institution from 2017 to 2022 was performed.

The Financial Impact of a Co-Surgeon in Breast Microsurgery.

Introduction: Co-surgeon approaches for autologous breast reconstruction have demonstrated improvements in operative efficiency. The health system financial impact, however, warrants further investigation.

Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive autologous reconstructions between 2017-2022.

Effectiveness of Liposomal Bupivacaine Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks improve pain control and reduce narcotic medication requirements in various surgical procedures. Liposomal bupivacaine may provide more sustained analgesia. This study compared pain-related outcomes between standard bupivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine TAP blocks after autologous breast reconstruction.

Optimizing perioperative outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction.

Perioperative optimization in surgery is paramount to the success of an operation. This especially applies to autologous breast reconstruction where small details can make the difference between success and failure. In this article, the authors discuss a wide array of aspects of perioperative care in autologous reconstruction and best practices.

Is Nitropaste Effective in Stressed Flaps?

Topical nitroglycerine (nitropaste) is an agent that has seen popularization in plastic surgery in recent years. A low-cost medication functioning, by inducing vasodilation primarily in the venous system and inhibiting platelet aggregation, has shown the ability to provide benefits in clinically concerning skin flaps. In random-pattern skin flaps, research shows that topical nitroglycerine decreases flap loss and increases the percentage of viable tissue.